Space Brief 23 May 2025
Today's briefing highlights a significant increase in the Pentagon's AI budget, upgrades at the Tiangong space station, cyber threats to satellite operations, and the Moon and Venus conjunction.
STARLINK-30360 (57776)
COSPAR: 2023-134F | Alt Name: Starlink 30360
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57776
International Designator
2023-134F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:31:23 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
171.43°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
274.82°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30360
Alternative Name
Starlink 30360
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57776U 23134F 26200.31347214 .00000749 00000+0 36731-4 0 9993
2 57776 43.0032 171.4334 0001506 274.8210 85.2470 15.27577150159635
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30360 satellite, also known as Starlink 30360, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-12-06 payload. Launched on September 4, 2023, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite's owner is also SpaceX (SPXS).
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
730
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 6-12-06
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Starlink v2 Mini
Motor
Argon ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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